Throughout history, several children's toys that were once deemed safe have been recalled due to safety concerns. These include some of the most dangerous toys ever recalled, emphasizing the need for strong toy safety testing and awareness of toy recalls in the U.S. These recalls highlight the importance of continuous safety evaluations in the toy industry.

Sky Dancers were dolls that, when a string was pulled, would fly into the air and spin. While designed for fun, the rapid flight of these dolls led to numerous injuries. Reports indicated eye injuries, broken teeth, and facial lacerations, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. As a result, approximately 8.9 million units were recalled in 2000. Although this was recalled, similar toys like flying helicopters are still available in the online market.

The Easy-Bake Oven allowed children to bake small treats using a light bulb as a heat source. However, the design posed significant risks. Children could insert their hands into the oven's opening, leading to entrapment and burn hazards. Reports included 77 burn incidents, with 16 classified as second- and third-degree burns, and one case requiring partial finger amputation.¹ Consequently, approximately 985,000 units were recalled in 2007.

Marketed as "mini trampolines," Moon Shoes were designed to give children a bouncing experience. However, the shoes led to several injuries, including ankle fractures and other leg injuries. While the original manufacturer, Nickelodeon, discontinued the product, it was never officially recalled. Even today with the use of normal trampolines, more than 800,000 children sustained trampoline injuries in the U.S. between 2009 and 2018, most of whom were under the age of 16, according to a 2022 report using a national database and published in Pediatric Emergency Care. ¹

Slap bracelets were vinyl wristbands that, when slapped against the wrist, would curl into place. However, the metal inside could pierce the fabric, exposing sharp edges. This posed a laceration hazard to children. In 2018, approximately 22,500 units were recalled due to this safety concern.

Clackers consisted of two acrylic balls connected by a string. Children would swing them together to produce a clacking sound. The acrylic material was prone to shattering, causing sharp fragments to fly, leading to injuries. As a result, the toy was banned in the 1970s.

Magnetix building sets allowed children to create structures using magnetic rods and spheres. However, if multiple magnets were swallowed, they could attract each other inside the body, causing internal injuries. Following reports of serious injuries, including a fatality, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission expanded the recall to over 4 million units in 2007, but it is still available in different parts of the world.

The Hannah Montana Pop Star Card Game appeared to be a harmless toy. However, tests revealed that the vinyl cases contained lead levels up to 75 times the federal limit. While no official recall was issued, the discovery raised significant concerns about lead content in children's products.

These examples demonstrate the critical need for rigorous safety standards and continuous monitoring in the toy industry. Parents looking for toy safety tips should stay updated on the latest toy recalls and reports from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. While many of these toys were popular and widely accepted at their time of release, subsequent evaluations revealed significant safety risks. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and safety information to ensure the well-being of children. These recalls continue to remind manufacturers and parents alike that even playtime must come with vigilance.

References

1. Mayo Clinic. “When It’s Kids Versus Trampolines, Kids Often Lose.” Mayo Clinic, October 20, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/pediatrics/news/when-its-kids-vs-trampolines-kids-often-lose/mac-20431484.

2. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Magnetix Magnetic Building Set Recall Expanded — Serious Injuries Continue to Be Reported.” CPSC, April 19, 2007. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2007/magnetix-magnetic-building-set-recall-expanded-serious-injuries-continue-to-be-reported.

3. Easy-Bake (a division of Hasbro, Inc.). “New Easy-Bake Oven Recall Following Partial Finger Amputation; Consumers Urged to Return Toy Ovens.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), July 19, 2007. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2007/new-easy-bake-oven-recall-following-partial-finger-amputation-consumers-urged-to-return.

(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)